COLD-WEATHER CAR CARE TIPS

PREPARE YOUR VEHICLE FOR WINTER

You wouldn’t head out into cold weather without bundling up, and your vehicle faces similar challenges as the temperatures drop. Take the time and check out these cold weather tips to prepare your car or truck for winter – your vehicle will run longer and more efficiently.

What You Can Do

Make sure you have a heavy-duty ice scraper and snow brush in your vehicle.

In severe winter temperatures, you may have to change the grade of your engine oil. Check your Owner’s Manual for the viscosity grade recommended for your vehicle’s engine.

Check your wiper blades. Cold temperatures can make blades brittle, and ice on the windshield can cause nicks in the blades, decreasing performance.

If you’re planning a trip, take a blanket, extra-warm clothing, a collapsible shovel, a bag of road salt and an extra bottle of windshield-washer fluid.

Put on snow tires if you live in major snow-belt areas. Check your Owner’s Manual for details and recommended practices.

WHAT ACDelco CAN DO TO HELP

Even in climates that don’t see subfreezing temperatures or regular snow, the change of season is a great time to have your ACDelco Professional Service Center technician inspect or check the following areas:

Antifreeze

A quick and simple check of the coolant will tell immediately how much protection it will deliver in cold temperatures. Antifreeze that is good to 0° F or -10° F might be fine for Arizona drivers, but not so for those in Minnesota. Make sure your antifreeze will do its job for your area’s typical winter temperatures.

Auto Battery

Very cold weather saps the cranking capability of batteries, and a marginal one that did the trick in the summer may not start your car when the thermometer drops. Have the battery inspected and replace it if the cold-cranking amps aren’t sufficient – it’ll be easier in the long run than a couple of jump-starts on a freezing January morning.

So, if you are in need of a new battery or just want to have yours checked, visit an ACDelco Professional Service Center near you or visit our Batteries page. Read about ACDelco’s Limited Battery Warranty or call 1-800-ACDelco for more information.

Belts & Hoses

Extremely cold temperatures can increase the chance of failure for worn or cracked belts and hoses. Use the change of season to have them inspected and replaced as necessary.

Tires

Cold temperatures can reduce the air pressure in tires, so making sure the tires are properly inflated can enhance fuel economy and prolong the life of the tires. Also, be sure to have the tread wear inspected. For drivers in areas that see ice and snow in the winter, adequate tire tread often means the difference between an easy commute and a tire-spinning ordeal – or getting stuck.

Windshield Wipers

Winter brings precipitation, be it rain, snow, sleet or all of the above. Have your car’s wipers inspected for normal operation and have the wiper blades replaced if they smear, streak or “chatter.” You’ll also want a full reservoir of washer fluid for the winter.

One More Thing

If you live in a snowy area where the roads are routinely salted, have your car washed often throughout the winter. It will ward off rust and protect the finish of the exterior paint and wheels.

PROPOSITION 65 WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain Lead and Lead components, chemicals known to the state of California to cause birth defects and other reproductive harm. Batteries also contain other chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER HANDLING.

*To the original retail purchaser. Installation not included. For details, see your local retailer or Independent Service Center that offers ACDelco parts.